There is no doubt in the minds of many that Simone Biles is likely the greatest gymnast of all time after she continues to break records in the sport.
It was just weeks ago when the iconic seven-time Olympic medalist effortlessly clinched first place at the Core Hydration Classic on Aug. 5.
Now, the 26-year-old set a record eighth national all-around title Sunday at the US Gymnastics Championships in San Jose, California.
With the win, Biles is now the oldest woman to win the championships after finishing 3.9 points ahead of Shilese Jones, who is the all-around silver medalist at the 2022 US and world championships.
Before the win, she shared a tie for the record with Alfred Jochim, who won his seventh all-around gold medal in 1933 – almost 100 years ago.
“I think it feels really special,” Biles told NBC. “I’ve been doing it for so long, I feel like I don’t think about numbers, I think about my performance. And I think, overall, I hit eight for eight (routines). … I guess it’s a lucky number this year.”
The win comes after a long absence from the sport. She took the crown with a 15.400 in her show-stopping floor exercise.
Following her performance, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation to celebrate her win. One of her teammates, Jordan Chiles waved her arms to the crowd to further rally them to give Biles her flowers.
“It’s really amazing. Everybody in here believes in me,” Biles said. “So I just need to start believing in myself a little bit more, but it feels amazing and I love the fans, I love the crowd. It was really special.”
She further said that she would not reveal whether she would perform at next year’s Paris Olympics.
“I like to keep [my goals] personal just so that I know what I am aiming for,” she said. “I’m trying to move a little bit differently this year than I have in the past. So I think it’s working so far, so I’m gonna keep it a little bit secretive.”
